Under a cloudless sky on an 83-degree day in downtown Savannah, firefighter Thomas Powell donned a full firefighter’s suit and black shades. He crossed the threshold — and into the intersection of Drayton and Broughton Streets — in fourth place to a standing ovation.

He was the first participant in the Heroes Heat to finish wearing full gear in the Savannah Mile. Powell, a Savannah native, said the weather did not affect his performance. He was motivated by a friendly rivalry.

“The biggest challenge was to beat the Rangers, and all the other firefighters today,” he said. “It’s a great accomplishment, supporting the 200 Club with all they do for us and the police. It’s a good organization to give back to.”

The Sixth Annual Savannah Mile raised over $100,000 dollars for the Two Hundred Club, an organization that provides immediate financial assistance to families of law enforcement officers and firefighters that lose their lives in the line of duty.

“It has a tremendous impact,” said Savannah Mile race creator and director Robert Espinoza. “It’s good that a one-mile race can raise that much money. It’s a perfect thing for the Two Hundred Club because the focus is on the charity. We try to put on a good race for people.”

Participants were divided into various heats. The Fun Family Heat for families, strollers and dogs began the morning. It was followed by the 9-under, ages 10-14 and ages 15-19 boys and girls heats. The men’s and women’s groups, ages 20-24, 25-29, 30-34 and 35-39, came next. And races in various age groups, up to 80-plus, continued throughout the event.

Before the final heat for members of the military, police officers and firefighters of Savannah and Chatham, a Memory Walk was held for families of fallen heroes.

Jonathan Erwin, 29, posted the fastest time of all heats, crossing the finish line with a time of 4:42. He said running the race last year gave him an inside track for this year’s event.

“I was a little bit more relaxed at the start, because I knew what to expect, I knew what the race setup was,” he said. “I also had an idea of what the competition was going to be like out there.”

Erwin, a Rumson, N.J. native and a member of the 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery regiment in the 2nd Brigade, is stationed at Fort Stewart.

He said this is a great event.

“I think it’s important,” he said. “Any time you can do something that benefits charity, and it’s for a good cause, I fully support it. I’m glad to help out.”